The most important ingredient to having a good standup comedy show is having an audience. The more people, the better. The good news is that you can help bring people to the show by promoting it.
Yes, the venue should promote the show. But don’t count on that. If the venue has events every night, they may not put much effort into your show. If they don’t often have shows, it’s probably not in anyone’s job description to promote your show.
Yes, the booker should promote the show and hopefully does. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pitch in. It’s like moving a couch. One person can drag it across the floor, or six people can toss it out the door.
Whether you think it’s your job or not, if you get to be known as a comic who doesn’t promote shows or get people out, bookers and club owners will not want to work with you.
Here are some tips to promote shows you are involved with:
Speak only for yourself
Lots of times comics try to be self-deprecating in their promotional posts and say things like, “I don’t know if I’m funny or if anyone else on the show is.”
Do you think that is likely to attract people to come to the show? (Hint: It’s not.)
Other times comics will try attitude like, “Come out to the show on Friday, we comics are gonna f*ck sh!t up!”
Maybe f*cking sh!t up isn’t the vibe the booker or other comics are going for. So don’t speak for them.
Confidence is a key ingredient in comedy. Project confidence in your posts that the audience will have a good time.
Don’t assume you are just promoting to friends and family
If moving up in comedy is your goal, you will need to be a comic who can get more than just the same friends and family to shows. So promote like you have a following of people who enjoy your comedy. Maybe that will manifest.
Even if you are in the stage of your comedy career where your friends are tired of seeing you and you don’t have a following, you are helping by spreading the word on the Internet.
Don’t wait until the day of the show
Ideally, you start promoting a show 2 weeks out or so. Don’t wait until the day of the show to start. People already have plans.
Use the flyer
If the promoter posts a flyer, grab it and create your own posts or reels on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, wherever, using the flyer.
Don’t just share someone else’s post; create your own.
If the promoter makes a flyer specifically for you with your photo on the flyer, definitely use that flyer.
Add a ticket link
You want to make it easy for people who see your post to get tickets, so include a ticket link. Don’t make them hunt for tickets.
Promote one show at a time
Again, for the interest of making it easy on potential audience members, promote one show at a time.
If you have a post that says you will be on three shows this week, then the potential audience members have to figure out if they want to go to one of them and find the ticket link.
Post your shows separately.
Avoid AI without permission
AI flyers are controversial in the comedy and creative world. If you are on a show, don’t create a flyer using AI without asking the booker or club if they are cool with it.
Be creative
Dress up the show flyer (without AI) or make a video promoting the show if that’s your thing.
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area and information to sign up or order tickets.
UPCOMING SHOWS AND OPEN MICS
Wednesday, May 6
7 p.m. — Louisville Laughs presents: Wednesday Open Mic at TEN20 with guest host Aimee Jewell and special guest Danny Hucks, TEN20 Craft Brewery. Free tickets. Sign up to perform HERE
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
7 p.m. — Louisville Laughs presents: Funniest Person In Louisville qualifier #4 with special guest Will McKenzie, TEN20 Craft Brewery.Tickets
10 p.m. — Comedy Attack open mic, Kaiju. Free. Signups at 9:30 p.m.
TO SIGN UP FOR OPEN MICS
Sundays — The Sunday Sh!t Show, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, Planet of the Tapes. Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Starting Nov. 10, signups will start at 5 p.m. and show at 5:30
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign upstarting at 9:30 p.m.
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. To sign up, email planetofthetapesopenmic@gmail.com
Thursdays — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, 9 p.m. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
Thursdays — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown, 8 p.m. Show up and sign up.
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area and links to order tickets.
LAST WEEK TO ENTERFUNNIEST PERSON IN LOUISVILLE
A few spots remain for the Funniest Person In Louisville Contest that begins May 29. Semifinals and finals are at the Louisville Comedy Club with the finals on July 9.
Categories for Amateur and Semi-Pro contests. Entry fee is $25. Entry fees go back to winners as prize money. Comics receive $5 for every ticket sold in the opening rounds and semifinals using their Promo Code.
Entry deadline is May 1. Find more information and enter HERE.
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
7 p.m. — Louisville Laughs presents: Funniest Person In Louisville opening round, TEN20 Craft Brewery. Tickets $17
10 p.m. — Comedy Attack open mic, Kaiju. Free. Signups at 9:30 p.m.
TO SIGN UP FOR OPEN MICS
Sundays — The Sunday Sh!t Show, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, Planet of the Tapes. Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Starting Nov. 10, signups will start at 5 p.m. and show at 5:30
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign upstarting at 9:30 p.m.
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. To sign up, email planetofthetapesopenmic@gmail.com
Thursdays — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, 9 p.m. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
Thursdays — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown, 8 p.m. Show up and sign up.
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area and links to order tickets.
LAST WEEK TO ENTERFUNNIEST PERSON IN LOUISVILLE
The Funniest Person In Louisville Contest begins in May with semifinals and finals at the Louisville Comedy Club with the finals on July 9.
Categories for Amateur and Semi-Pro contests. Entry fee is $25. Entry fees go back to winners as prize money. Comics receive $5 for every ticket sold in the opening rounds and semifinals using their Promo Code.
Entry deadline is May 1. Find more information and enter HERE.
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
10 p.m. — Comedy Attack open mic, Kaiju. Free. Signups at 9:30 p.m.
TO SIGN UP FOR OPEN MICS
Sundays — The Sunday Sh!t Show, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, Planet of the Tapes. Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Starting Nov. 10, signups will start at 5 p.m. and show at 5:30
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign upstarting at 9:30 p.m.
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. To sign up, email planetofthetapesopenmic@gmail.com
Thursdays — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, 9 p.m. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
Thursdays — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown, 8 p.m. Show up and sign up.
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area and links to order tickets.
The Funniest Person In Louisville Contest begins May 27 with semifinals and finals July 7-9 at the Louisville Comedy Club.
Categories for Amateur and Semi-Pro contests. Entry fee is $25. All fees go back to prize money to winners. Comics also receive $5 for every ticket sold in the opening rounds and semifinals using their Promo Code.
Entry deadline is May 1. Find more information and enter HERE.
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
7 p.m. — Good Stand Up Comedy early show, Kaiju. Free
9 p.m. — Good Stand Up Comedy late show, Kaiju. Free
10:30 p.m. — Comedy Attack open mic, Kaiju. Free. Signups after Good Standup Comedy show
TO SIGN UP FOR OPEN MICS
Sundays — The Sunday Sh!t Show, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, Planet of the Tapes. Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Starting Nov. 10, signups will start at 5 p.m. and show at 5:30
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign upstarting at 9:30 p.m.
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. To sign up, email planetofthetapesopenmic@gmail.com
Thursdays — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, 9 p.m. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
Thursdays — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown, 8 p.m. Show up and sign up.
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
8 p.m. — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown. Free. Show up and sign up.
9 p.m. — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville. Free. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
Sundays — The Sunday Sh!t Show, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, Planet of the Tapes. Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Starting Nov. 10, signups will start at 5 p.m. and show at 5:30
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign upstarting at 9:30 p.m.
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. To sign up, email planetofthetapesopenmic@gmail.com
Thursdays — Dive Bar mic, dive Bar on Frankfort, 2235 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, 9 p.m. To sign up message Brandy K Norton Productions @bkncomedy on Facebook
Thursdays — The LRS Laugh Lounge open mic comedy, Mr. G’s Bar & Grill, Middletown, 8 p.m. Show up and sign up.
A lot of fun is planned for May, including the start of the Funniest Person In Louisville contest and a special taping by Louisville favorite Lucious Williams. Check them out and come enjoy some laughs.
It’s the start of the Funniest Person In Louisville contest for 2026. Comics from across the region compete to be named the Funniest Person In Louisville for 2026 in Amateur and Semi-Pro categories.
The audience helps decide who advances. The competitors:
Amateur Sean Turley Devon Wells Bryce Shell Kristen Saunders Kenny Maxberry Elijah Perkins Semi-Pro Cody Walker Ali Hussein Sherry Hoenicke Andrew Brown Joseph Siegel Special guest: Bonita Elery
Use the Promo Code from your favorite comic and save $2 per ticket. Enjoy a night of laughter, craft beer, pizza, nachos and more.
Comics from across the region compete to be named the Funniest Person In Louisville for 2026 in Amateur and Semi-Pro categories.
The audience helps decide who advances. The competitors:
Amateur Misty Hurt Bre Fitz Brad Brauser Brian Rogers Bob Coakley Clayton Settle Michael Wermuth Semi-Pro Ty Leach Sean T. Hughes Jacob Israel Big Jake Hovis Special guest: Lena Beamish
Use the Promo Code from your favorite comic and save $2 per ticket.
7:30 p.m. — Wednesday Night Open Mic with guest host Misty Stine and special guest Donna Watts, The Caravan Comedy Club. TicketsTo sign up to perform, email CaravanOpenMic@gmail.com
5:30 p.m. — The Sunday Sh!t Show, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, Planet of the Tapes. Signups starting at 5 p.m.
TO SIGN UP FOR OPEN MICS
Sundays — The Sunday Sh!t Show, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, Planet of the Tapes. Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Starting Nov. 10, signups will start at 5 p.m. and show at 5:30
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign upstarting at 9:30 p.m.
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. To sign up, email planetofthetapesopenmic@gmail.com
A list of the upcoming comedy shows and open mics in the Louisville area. Plus, a chance to win tickets.
BRAD WILLIAMS TICKETS ENTRY
Sign up for the chance to win a pair of tickets from Live Nation and Louisville Laughs to see Brad Williams on Thursday, April 2, 7:30 p.m., at the Louisville Palace.
7:30 p.m. — Wednesday Night Open Mic with guest host Hillary Boston and special guest Kate Kremers, The Caravan Comedy Club. TicketsTo sign up to perform, email CaravanOpenMic@gmail.com
9:45 p.m. — The Wednesday Comedy Late Mic, Jane, 712 E. Market Street. Sign ups at 9:30
5:30 p.m. — The Sunday Sh!t Show, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, Planet of the Tapes. Signups starting at 5 p.m.
TO SIGN UP FOR OPEN MICS
Sundays — The Sunday Sh!t Show, all-entertainment showcase with Uncool Randy, Planet of the Tapes. Message @UncoolRandy on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Starting Nov. 10, signups will start at 5 p.m. and show at 5:30
Sundays — Comedy Attack! open mic, Kaiju. First Sunday of the month. Show up and sign upstarting at 9:30 p.m.
Mondays — The Planet of the Tapes Monday Mic, Planet of the Tapes. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. To sign up, email planetofthetapesopenmic@gmail.com
The Funniest Person In Louisville contest from Louisville Laughs returns for 2026. Opening rounds will start in May. This year the semifinals and finals will be at the Louisville Comedy Club with the finals July 9.
What is the Funniest Person In Louisville contest?
It’s a competition for standup comics with competition in Amateur and Semi-Pro categories.
Amateurs get 5 minutes on stage and Semi-Pros get 7 minutes and must do new material if they reach the finals.
Amateurs typically are newer comics and Semi-Pros generally have more tested material and have been paid to host or feature at shows.
Funniest Person In Louisville 2025 top finishers, including Semi-Pro winner John Dollar and Amateur winner Ali Hussein.
Where is the FPIL being held?
Opening rounds are:
June 7, TEN20 Craft Brewery, Butchertown June 13, Roselynn Hill Winery, Jeffersontown June 19, TEN20 Clarksville Taproom June 21, TEN20 Craft Brewery, Butchertown
Other opening-round dates will be added.
The semifinals will be June 30, July 1, July 7 and July 8 at Louisville Comedy Club and the finals on July 9 at LCC.
Who can enter?
Any comics who can be in Louisville on the dates of their shows are eligible to participate. Louisville Laughs works with comics to choose preferred dates for shows as much as possible.
Entry fee is $25 and due by May 1.
How does it work?
In each round, a panel of judges will vote on their favorites, and audience members also receive ballots and vote. The top picks by the judges and audience advance.
Why should I enter?
The FPIL typically has great crowds, often with sold-out shows. Comics have the opportunity to purchase a professional video of their sets and also are free to tape their own sets.
Each comic receives a unique Promo Code for the opening rounds. If audience members buy tickets using your code, you get $5 and the audience members save $5.
All the entry fees go toward prize money in the Amateur and Semi-Pro categories, paying out for the top 3 places in each.
Comics who do well often get booked on shows, even if they don’t advance.
